After weeks of intense speculation and animosity following the release of a provisional 2011 ILMC schedule (namely over the omission of Petit Le Mans), the ACO yesterday released an updated calendar for the 2011 running of the Intercontinental Cup.

Despite prior speculation suggesting otherwise, the updated calendar sees the approval of both Sebring and Petit Le Mans as part of the North American arm of the cup.

The move comes as a relief to many North American fans, after recent rumours suggested the famed Petit Le Mans event would be replaced by a South American round. The event, which is now displayed on the updated calendar, has been reinstated at it’s usual date on the first weekend of October.

In addition to the already confirmed European events at Spa, Le Mans, and Silverstone, the second rendition of the cup will feature an Italian round (LMS Round 3) hosted at the Imola GP circuit and, despite the unfortunate omission of a Japanese round for a second time, China will continue to host the final and, so far only Asian Le Mans series event of the ILMC at a yet to be determined venue.

ILMC General Manager, Frédéric Henry-Biabaud issued the following statement in relation to the announcement:

“We’re convinced that this calendar is going to enhance the values of endurance through a technological, responsible and sporting approach towards racing that will give endurance the place it deserves.

For its first full season, this programme meets the expectations of spectators, manufacturers, teams and partners with seven events on some of the most legendary motor racing circuits in strategic economic markets.”

The second running of the cup will feature an altered race format for otherwise distance based events. With priority now placed on timing, ILMC races will now run for a minimum of six hours. As opposed to the combination of distance/timed (i.e. 1000km/six hours) used in the past.

Having finalised what many would consider to be a highly successful and entertaining season on both sides of the Atlantic, the ACO has unveiled the 2011 schedule for the Intercontinental Le Mans Cup. As mentioned during previous releases, the 2011 calendar will see the series move to a new and extended format, featuring seven rounds of competition.

The second running of the cup will feature a slightly altered race format for certain events. With the adoption timed events, the minimum running time for any ILMC race will be six hours (as opposed to distance/timed – i.e. 1000km/six hours). Despite the listing of several TBA notices on the calendar, one can safely assume the inclusion of both Chinese, and Japanese rounds (at yet to be determined venues) will be forthcoming at a later date.

As expected, both Sebring and Spa have been confirmed as pre-Le Mans rounds, with the Le Mans 24 Hour event itself now featuring as a round of the cup. Silverstone is currently the only round confirmed as a post-LM24 event. The notable omission of Petit Le Mans from the schedule came as a surprise to many, with only a ‘TBA/Overseas’ notice listed adjacent to the month of October.

When interviewed, ACO sports manager Vincent Beaumesnil responded with the following statement:

“For sure, we’re speaking with everybody. Sebring is an ILMC event, so this is proof. We will confirm the overseas event when we’re in the position to say something. I cannot say more.”

In a recent press release, JaguarRSR has unveiled driver lineups for the team’s Petit Le Mans debut. Some time ago the team confirmed it would field an additional XKR GT2 entry for the event, only now have specific details been released regarding the entry.

Endurance Aces, Butch Leitzinger and Tommi Drissi will join the squad for the 10 hour/1000 mile event, piloting the #33 chassis with JaguarRSR team owner and driver, Paul Gentilozzi.

Having driven a wide array of both prototype and GT machinery over the years, Leitzinger brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the team. Known more recently for his exploits with Alex Job Racing in the GTC category, Leitzinger has a total of 91 ALMS starts to his name.

With victories at Le Mans, Daytona, in addition to various championships (i.e. WSC, CanAm, and IMSA GTU), the talented North American provides vital substance to the growing team.

With recent outings in both LMP and TransAm machinery (the latter of which with Gentilozzi’s TransAm team), Tommi Drissi is a familiar face within US sportscar racing circles. Experience in ALMS, TransAm, GrandAm, and World Challenge series make Drissi a prime candidate for driving duties in JaguarRSR’s expanding programme.

The services of team regulars Marc Goossens and Ryan Dalziel will continue to be utilised within the #75 entry.

Provisional entry listings for the 13th running of the annual Petit Le Mans classic, the second round of the inaugural Intercontinental Cup, have now been released. As expected LMP numbers have increased to a respectable twelve entries. The field including entries from both Audi and Peugeot. Despite expressing interest during the early races of the series, the grid is devoid of any factory AMR presence.

In the LMP2 category the championship battle is still very much alive. With Highcroft only possessing a marginal points lead over rivals, Cytosport, series honours remain a possibility for both squads. Despite rumours indicating the addition of several European privateer teams, OAK Racing remains the only Le Mans Series participant to commit an entry.

Although lacking in international flavour, additional entries and the appearance of new faces boost the GT category to its most healthy state in recent years. Additional entries from both Robertson Racing and JaguarRSR, along with the appearance of the ACS Doran Ford GT and the eagerly anticipated Panoz Abruzzi entry of PTG will see the GT category sporting a field of 17 entries.

With only several weeks remaining until the inaugural running of the Intercontinental Le Mans Cup, AudiSport has revealed its driver lineups for a planned two car attack on the new manufacturer-focused challenge.

Due to a combination of varying driver obligations and changed sporting regulations, Audi has opted against static lineups and will alter driver combinations on a per event basis.

Eight time-Le Mans winner, Tom Kristensen will partner Alan McNish at both Silverstone and Zuhai rounds of the challenge. While Dindo Capello will join Timo Bernhard in the #8 at Silverstone.

The Petit Le Mans event will see the squad return to a traditional endurance lineup of three drivers per car. With Capello joining Kristensen/McNish in the #7, and Fässler, Lotterer, and Treluyer reuniting in the #8 entry.

Returning to two drivers per chassis once more in Zuhai, Kristensen/McNish will remain in the #7, with Capello returning to the #8 now alongside Romain Dumas.

Audi Motorsport Director, Wolfgang Ullrich had the following to say regarding the lineups:

“Because there’s only a make and team but no driver classification we’re using the Intercontinental Le Mans Cup as an opportunity to integrate the drivers who haven’t competed for us very often, even better with our team. Our aim is to compete at Le Mans in 2011 with the same drivers as this year.”

Having experienced what many would consider a semi-successful season (on both sides of the Atlantic) thus far, BMW Motorsport has signaled it’s intention to participate in the inaugural running of the Intercontinental Le Mans Cup.

BMW Motorsport’s efforts will utilise the services of both US and European factory-supported teams. With Schnitzer coordinating efforts for the Bavarian marque at both Silverstone and Zuhai events. Driving duties will be handled by Dirk Werner and Jörg Müller.

The Petit Le Mans event will be coordinated by the US factory outfit, Rahal Letterman. Standard series driver lineups of Milner/Auberlen and Hand/Müller will apply with additional driver support in the form of works drivers Werner/Priaulx.

The announcement makes BMW the first of many GT marques to provide an official commitment to the ILMC manufacturers title.